SARS FWD Press Release State of Florida USA

[isali]

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For Immediate Release Contact: Bill Parizek
April 2, 2003 850-245-4111

Department of Health Investigating Two Suspect Cases of

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)

Tallahassee - The Florida Department of Health (DOH) is currently investigating two suspect cases of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in Florida residents -- a 21-year-old female and 36-year-old male. Due to patient confidentiality, the individuals' names, county of residence and other identifying information cannot be released.

"As SARS continues its spread around the world, our healthcare system stands ready to respond to cases in Florida," said DOH Secretary John O. Agwunobi, M.D., M.B.A. "Our thoughts for a full and quick recovery are with the individuals and their families."

These cases were identified through the state's enhanced disease surveillance system, which was stimulated by continued updates of the international outbreak. DOH is working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to identify potential cases of SARS in citizens and visitors to Florida. The state asked local health officials and clinicians to watch for patients who became sick after February 1 and have symptoms of the respiratory illness.

"Because these cases were identified early, it provides us with a greater opportunity to prevent any additional spread of the infection," said Agwunobi.

The CDC's most recent travel advisory for SARS includes all of mainland China as well as Hanoi, Vietnam and Singapore. The previous advisory was for Hong Kong, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China and Hanoi, Vietnam.

As of April 2, 2003, the CDC is reporting 85 suspect SARS cases in 27 states.

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the CDC believe SARS is caused by a newly recognized coronavirus. The symptoms of SARS include fever (100.5° F. or higher), dry cough, and shortness of breath or difficulty breathing developing on or after Feb. 1, 2003, in persons who have recently traveled, or have had close contact with those that have traveled to countries, primarily in Asia, where the illness has already been found. Individuals who have fever, respiratory symptoms, and have traveled to or have been in close contact with someone who has traveled to affected areas of the world should call their doctor.

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dr. isali ben-jacob
oriental medical group & associates
4505 W. Flagler St. Suite 202
miami, florida 33134
USA
tel:305 569 7630
fax:305 569 3079

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